1
|
Iacopetta D, Catalano A, Ceramella J, Pellegrino M, Marra M, Scali E, Sinicropi MS, Aquaro S. The Ongoing Impact of COVID-19 on Pediatric Obesity. Pediatr Rep 2024; 16:135-150. [PMID: 38391001 PMCID: PMC10885050 DOI: 10.3390/pediatric16010013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
In the developed world, pediatric obesity (PO) has been a major health concern since the last century, and this condition may lead to detrimental life-long physical and mental comorbidities. Currently, its prevalence has increased in low- and middle-income countries and in many high-income countries. Thus, the provision of effective and tailored care for children and their families has become vital. The social consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic are known everywhere, and among these, it has been argued that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on PO. Overall, the growth of PO over the last decade has been enhanced by the pandemic. During the COVID-19 pandemic, children, adolescents and young adults gained weight as the pediatric population dealt with sedentary lifestyles and changes in food habits. In this review, we want to highlight the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic had on PO.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Iacopetta
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Alessia Catalano
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Jessica Ceramella
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Michele Pellegrino
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Maria Marra
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Scali
- Department of Health Sciences, Magna Graecia University, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Maria Stefania Sinicropi
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Stefano Aquaro
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ni M, Li B, Zhang Q, Zhao J, Li W, Qi S, Shen Q, Yao D, Chen Z, Wang T, Ding X, Lin Z, Cheng C, Liu Z, Chen H. Relationship Between Birth Weight and Asthma Diagnosis: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study Based on the National Survey of Children's Health in the U.S. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e076884. [PMID: 38040432 PMCID: PMC10693893 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-076884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the association between birth weight and childhood asthma risk using data from the 2019-2020 National Survey of Children's Health database. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING The USA. PATIENTS A representative cohort of American children. EXPOSURE The exposure of this study was birth weight regardless of gestational age. Birth weight was divided into three groups: <1500 g, 1500-2500 g and >2500 g. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Primary outcomes were parent-reported diagnosis of asthma. METHOD The Rao-Scott χ2 test was used to compare the groups. The main analyses examined the association between birth weight and parent-report asthma in children using univariable and multivariable logistic models adjusting for preterm birth, age, sex, race, family poverty, health insurance, smoking, maternal age. Subgroup analysis was performed based on interaction test. RESULTS A total of 60 172 children aged 3-17 years were enrolled in this study; of these, 5202 (~8.6%) had asthma. Children with asthma were more likely to be born preterm, with low birth weight (LBW) or very LBW (VLBW). The incidence of asthma was the highest in VLBW children at 20.9% and showed a downward trend with an increase in birth weight class, with rates of 10.7% and 8.1% in the LBW and normal birthweight groups, respectively. Children with VLBW (OR 1.97; 95% CI 1.29 to 3.01) had higher odds of developing asthma in the adjusted analysis model. However, VLBW was only shown to be a risk factor for asthma among Hispanics, black/African-Americans and children between the ages of 6 and 12 years, demonstrating racial and age disparities. CONCLUSIONS VLBW increases the risk of childhood asthma; however, racial and age disparities are evident.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meng Ni
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine,Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital of China Welfare Institution, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Baihe Li
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine,Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital of China Welfare Institution, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Qianqian Zhang
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine,Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital of China Welfare Institution, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiuru Zhao
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine,Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital of China Welfare Institution, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Li
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine,Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital of China Welfare Institution, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Sudong Qi
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine,Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital of China Welfare Institution, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Qianwen Shen
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine,Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital of China Welfare Institution, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Dongting Yao
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine,Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital of China Welfare Institution, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Ze Chen
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine,Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital of China Welfare Institution, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Tao Wang
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine,Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital of China Welfare Institution, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiya Ding
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine,Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital of China Welfare Institution, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenying Lin
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine,Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital of China Welfare Institution, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunyu Cheng
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine,Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital of China Welfare Institution, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiwei Liu
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine,Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital of China Welfare Institution, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Chen
- Departments of Neonatology, Children's Hospital of Shanghai, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ni K, Wan Y, Zheng Y. Association between adult food insecurity and self-reported asthma in the United States: NHANES 2003-2018. J Asthma 2023; 60:2074-2082. [PMID: 37255268 DOI: 10.1080/02770903.2023.2214921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Asthma is a chronic disease of the lungs. The development of asthma is related to various risk factors. Food insecurity is a critical social determinant of health, although there is little information on the association between adult food insecurity and asthma. The purpose of this study is to explore the potential correlation in US adults. METHODS The study population data were extracted from NHANES 2003-2018. Food insecurity was measured using the USDA FSSM and categorized as full, marginal, low, or very low food security. The assessment of self-reported asthma was determined by self-report questionnaires. The self-reported positive outcomes were that participants had asthma and a history of asthma attacks and asthma-related ER visits in the past year. We developed two multivariate logistic regression models. Stratified analyses were performed by gender and age. RESULTS A total of 38,077 participants were considered in our final analysis. Compared to participants with FFS, the ORs (95% CIs) for asthma were 1.16 (1.00-1.33), 1.42 (1.23-1.64), and 1.56 (1.34-1.80) for participants with MFS, LFS, and VLFS, respectively (Model II). Additionally, after full adjustment, individuals with VLFS had 49% greater risks of asthma attacks (OR = 1.49; 95% CI 1.13-1.97). The ORs (95% CIs) for asthma-related ER visits were 1.59 (1.14-2.23) and 1.98 (1.36-2.87) for participants with LFS and VLFS, respectively (Model II). The positive correlations remained robust when stratified by gender and age. CONCLUSION Our research showed that food insecurity among US adults was associated with asthma, asthma attacks, and asthma-related ER visits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kejie Ni
- The Affiliated Huai'an Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Huai'an, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yufeng Wan
- The Affiliated Huai'an Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Huai'an, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yulong Zheng
- The Affiliated Huai'an Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Huai'an, Jiangsu, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Morąg B, Kozubek P, Gomułka K. Obesity and Selected Allergic and Immunological Diseases-Etiopathogenesis, Course and Management. Nutrients 2023; 15:3813. [PMID: 37686844 PMCID: PMC10489982 DOI: 10.3390/nu15173813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity is a global problem. It affects every age group and is associated with many negative health effects. As an example, there is a relationship between obesity and allergic and immunological diseases, such as asthma, psoriasis, food allergies, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis. Obesity undeniably affects their development. In addition, it causes adverse changes in the course and response to therapy in relation to patients without excessive body weight. The treatment of diseases associated with obesity is difficult; drugs are less effective and must be used in higher doses, and their use in patients with obesity is often associated with higher risks. The main form of treatment of all obesity-related diseases is a change in eating habits and increased physical activity, which leads to a decrease in body fat mass. The positive effect of reducing BMI has been confirmed in many independent studies. This paper reviews various types of research documents published since 2019. It aims to systematize the latest knowledge and highlight the need for further research for effective and sustainable treatment options for obesity, its complications and obesity-related diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bartłomiej Morąg
- Faculty of Dentistry, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-425 Wrocław, Poland;
| | - Patrycja Kozubek
- Student Scientific Group of Adult Allergology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-369 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Gomułka
- Clinical Department of Internal Medicine, Pneumology and Allergology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-369 Wrocław, Poland;
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Pediatric obesity and severe asthma: Targeting pathways driving inflammation. Pharmacol Res 2023; 188:106658. [PMID: 36642111 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Asthma affects more than 300 million people of all ages worldwide, including about 10-15% of school-aged children, and its prevalence is increasing. Severe asthma (SA) is a particular and rare phenotype requiring treatment with high-dose inhaled corticosteroids plus a second controller and/or systemic glucocorticoid courses to achieve symptom control or remaining "uncontrolled" despite this therapy. In SA, other diagnoses have been excluded, and potential exacerbating factors have been addressed. Notably, obese asthmatics are at higher risk of developing SA. Obesity is both a major risk factor and a disease modifier of asthma in children and adults: two main "obese asthma" phenotypes have been described in childhood with high or low levels of Type 2 inflammation biomarkers, respectively, the former characterized by early onset and eosinophilic inflammation and the latter by neutrophilic inflammation and late-onset. Nevertheless, the interplay between obesity and asthma is far more complex and includes obese tissue-driven inflammatory pathways, mechanical factors, comorbidities, and poor response to corticosteroids. This review outlines the most recent findings on SA in obese children, particularly focusing on inflammatory pathways, which are becoming of pivotal importance in order to identify selective targets for specific treatments, such as biological agents.
Collapse
|
6
|
Marathe SJ, Snider MA, Flores-Torres AS, Dubin PJ, Samarasinghe AE. Human matters in asthma: Considering the microbiome in pulmonary health. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1020133. [PMID: 36532717 PMCID: PMC9755222 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1020133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbial communities form an important symbiotic ecosystem within humans and have direct effects on health and well-being. Numerous exogenous factors including airborne triggers, diet, and drugs impact these established, but fragile communities across the human lifespan. Crosstalk between the mucosal microbiota and the immune system as well as the gut-lung axis have direct correlations to immune bias that may promote chronic diseases like asthma. Asthma initiation and pathogenesis are multifaceted and complex with input from genetic, epigenetic, and environmental components. In this review, we summarize and discuss the role of the airway microbiome in asthma, and how the environment, diet and therapeutics impact this low biomass community of microorganisms. We also focus this review on the pediatric and Black populations as high-risk groups requiring special attention, emphasizing that the whole patient must be considered during treatment. Although new culture-independent techniques have been developed and are more accessible to researchers, the exact contribution the airway microbiome makes in asthma pathogenesis is not well understood. Understanding how the airway microbiome, as a living entity in the respiratory tract, participates in lung immunity during the development and progression of asthma may lead to critical new treatments for asthma, including population-targeted interventions, or even more effective administration of currently available therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandesh J. Marathe
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
- Division of Pulmonology, Allergy-Immunology, and Sleep, Memphis, TN, United States
- Children’s Foundation Research Institute, Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Mark A. Snider
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
- Division of Emergency Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Armando S. Flores-Torres
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
- Children’s Foundation Research Institute, Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Patricia J. Dubin
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
- Division of Pulmonology, Allergy-Immunology, and Sleep, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Amali E. Samarasinghe
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
- Division of Pulmonology, Allergy-Immunology, and Sleep, Memphis, TN, United States
- Children’s Foundation Research Institute, Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Benefits of Physical Exercise as Approach to Prevention and Reversion of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Children and Adolescents with Obesity. CHILDREN 2022; 9:children9081174. [PMID: 36010064 PMCID: PMC9406958 DOI: 10.3390/children9081174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an important health concern during childhood; indeed, it is the most frequent cause of chronic liver diseases in obese children. No valid pharmacological therapies for children affected by this condition are available, and the recommended treatment is lifestyle modification, usually including nutrition and exercise interventions. In this narrative review, we summarized up-to-date information on the benefits of physical exercise on NAFLD in children and adolescents with obesity. The role of exercise as non-pharmacological treatment was emphasized in order to provide recent advances on this topic for clinicians not deeply involved in the field. Several studies on obese children and adults confirm the positive role of physical activity (PA) in the treatment of NAFLD, but to date, there are no pediatric randomized clinical trials on exercise versus usual care. Among the pathogenic mechanisms involved in the PA effects on NAFLD, the main players seem to be insulin resistance and related inflammation, oxidative stress, and gut dysbiosis, but further evaluations are necessary to deeply understand whether these factors are correlated and how they synergistically act. Thus, a deeper research on this theme is needed, and it would be extremely interesting.
Collapse
|
8
|
D'Auria E, Calcaterra V, Gasparini C, De Silvestri A, Lamberti R, Ghezzi M, Zuccotti G. The impact of adiposity indices on lung function in children with respiratory allergic diseases. Obes Res Clin Pract 2022; 16:314-318. [PMID: 35850917 DOI: 10.1016/j.orcp.2022.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The effect of obesity on lung function in children stratified by asthma status is not fully elucidated. We evaluated the impact of adiposity indices, including Body Mass Index (BMI) and estimated fat mass (eFT), on lung changes in asthmatic and non-asthmatic children with rhinitis. PATIENTS AND METHODS We performed a retrospective review of 400 pediatric patients, classified into an asthma group (n = 200) and a no-asthma group (n = 200). According to the BMI z-score all subjects were classified into normal-weight patients (NW; -2 ≤ BMI z-score <1) and overweight patients/patients with obesity (OW/OB; BMI z-score ≥1). Lung function parameters were measured by spirometry. BMI and eFM were considered as adiposity indices. RESULTS Excess weight/obesity was present in 37 % of patients. The OW/OB group showed higher basal forced expiratory vital capacity (FVC) and lower forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), FEV1/FVC ratio compared to the NW group (p ≤ 0.01). FVC and FEV1 were correlated with the BMI z-score, and FEV1/FVC with eFT (p ≤ 0.01). No differences were noted between the NW and the OW/OB groups in terms of respiratory parameters except for FVC (p < 0.01). In the OW/OB group, asthma patients were significantly different based on FEV1, FEV1/FVC, and forced expiratory flow at 25-75 % of FVC (FEF25/75) (p < 0.01). The BMI z-score was correlated with FVC and FEV1 in both the no-asthma and asthma groups (p ≤ 0.01 and p ≤ 0.05, respectively), while eFM was correlated with FEV1/FVC (p = 0.007) in the asthma group only. CONCLUSION Obesity seems to have a significant impact on lung function in children with respiratory allergic diseases. BMI and eFM may be used to evaluate the impact of adiposity on lung function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Enza D'Auria
- Pediatric Department, "Vittore Buzzi" Children's Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy; Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science "L. Sacco", University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy.
| | - Valeria Calcaterra
- Pediatric Department, "Vittore Buzzi" Children's Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy; Pediatric and Adolescent Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Chiara Gasparini
- Pediatric Department, "Vittore Buzzi" Children's Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy
| | - Annalisa De Silvestri
- Biometry and Clinical Epidemiology, Scientific Direction, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Rossella Lamberti
- Pediatric Department, "Vittore Buzzi" Children's Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy
| | - Michele Ghezzi
- Pediatric Department, "Vittore Buzzi" Children's Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy
| | - GianVincenzo Zuccotti
- Pediatric Department, "Vittore Buzzi" Children's Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy; Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science "L. Sacco", University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Food Sensitization Impact on Asthma Attacks in Children According to Age Group. ALLERGIES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/allergies2020005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The progression of allergy disorders is termed “atopic march.” Having one allergic disorder increases the likelihood of acquiring others. Asthma and food allergies often coexist. There are no thresholds for specific IgE (sIgE) associated with the presence of clinical symptoms. Each allergen shows a particular trend with age. Objective: Our study and analysis aim to identify food sensitization in children with asthma and evaluate its impact on asthma attacks and clinical control. Material and methods: As a part of a bigger study, 56 children (mean age 11.07 years (5.3–17.5), 38 boys, and 18 girls) with bronchial asthma were tested for total IgE and sIgE against food and inhalator allergens. All children performed baseline and post-BD spirometry and were assessed for asthma control. Results: In the studied population of children, sIgE against several food allergens was positive in the same patient. A significant correlation was found between the positive sIgE for milk and soy (p < 0.0001), for milk and egg yolk (p = 0.01), compared to milk and peanuts (p = 0.004), compared to egg yolk and fish (p < 0.0001), compared to egg yolk and casein (p < 0.001), and soy (p < 0.0001). The children who are positive for sIgE antibodies in cats, dogs, Cladosporium, Aspergillus, wormwood from aeroallergens and soy from food allergens have a higher risk of hospitalization for exacerbation of bronchial asthma. (p < 0.05). In the studied population, sensitization to food allergens among asthmatics does not contribute to the number of asthma attacks. Conclusions: Food sensitivity is associated with eczema, while mite sensitization is strongly associated with rhinitis and asthma. Food sensitization is not a risk factor for asthma exacerbation in children older than five years old.
Collapse
|
10
|
Calcaterra V, Nappi RE, Farolfi A, Tiranini L, Rossi V, Regalbuto C, Zuccotti G. Perimenstrual Asthma in Adolescents: A Shared Condition in Pediatric and Gynecological Endocrinology. CHILDREN 2022; 9:children9020233. [PMID: 35204953 PMCID: PMC8870409 DOI: 10.3390/children9020233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Asthma is a frequent medical condition in adolescence. The worsening of the most common symptoms perimenstrually is defined as perimenstrual asthma (PMA). The cause of PMA remains unclear, but a role for hormonal milieu is plausible. Data on PMA in adolescents are limited, and its management is not fully established. We aimed to discuss the PMA phenomenon in young females from pathophysiology to preventive strategies, focusing on the relationship with the hormonal pattern. The fluctuation of estrogens at ovulation and before menstruation and the progesterone secretion during the luteal phase and its subsequent withdrawal seem to be the culprits, because the deterioration of asthma is cyclical during the luteal phase and/or during the first days of the menstrual cycle. Conventional asthma therapies are not always effective for PMA. Preventive strategies may include innovative hormonal contraception. Even a possible beneficial effect of other hormonal treatments, including estrogens, progestogens, and androgens, as well as leukotriene receptor antagonists and explorative approach using microbial-directed therapy, is considered. The underlying mechanisms, through which sex-hormone fluctuations influence asthma symptoms, represent a challenge in the clinical management of such a distressing condition. Further studies focused on young females are mandatory to promote adolescent health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Calcaterra
- Pediatric and Adolescent Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Department of Pediatrics, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy; (A.F.); (V.R.); (G.Z.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Rossella Elena Nappi
- Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Gynecological Endocrinology and Menopause, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (R.E.N.); (L.T.)
- Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Andrea Farolfi
- Department of Pediatrics, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy; (A.F.); (V.R.); (G.Z.)
| | - Lara Tiranini
- Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Gynecological Endocrinology and Menopause, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (R.E.N.); (L.T.)
- Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Virginia Rossi
- Department of Pediatrics, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy; (A.F.); (V.R.); (G.Z.)
| | - Corrado Regalbuto
- Pediatric Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Gianvincenzo Zuccotti
- Department of Pediatrics, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy; (A.F.); (V.R.); (G.Z.)
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science “L. Sacco”, University of Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Fainardi V, Passadore L, Labate M, Pisi G, Esposito S. An Overview of the Obese-Asthma Phenotype in Children. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19020636. [PMID: 35055456 PMCID: PMC8775557 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19020636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Asthma is the most common chronic disease in childhood. Overweight and obesity are included among the comorbidities considered in patients with difficult-to-treat asthma, suggesting a specific phenotype of the disease. Therefore, the constant increase in obesity prevalence in children and adolescents raises concerns about the parallel increase of obesity-associated asthma. The possible correlation between obesity and asthma has been investigated over the last decade by different authors, who suggest a complex multifactorial relationship. Although the particular non-eosinophilic endotype of obesity-related asthma supports the concept that high body weight precedes asthma development, there is ongoing debate about the direct causality of these two entities. A number of mechanisms may be involved in asthma in combination with obesity disease in children, including reduced physical activity, abnormal ventilation, chronic systemic inflammation, hormonal influences, genetics and additional comorbidities, such as gastroesophageal reflux and dysfunctional breathing. The identification of the obesity-related asthma phenotype is crucial to initiate specific therapeutic management. Besides the cornerstones of asthma treatment, lifestyle should be optimized, with interventions aiming to promote physical exercise, healthy diet, and comorbidities. Future studies should clarify the exact association between asthma and obesity and the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of these two related conditions with the aim to define personalized therapeutic strategies for asthma management in this population.
Collapse
|
12
|
Calcaterra V, Verduci E, Magenes VC, Pascuzzi MC, Rossi V, Sangiorgio A, Bosetti A, Zuccotti G, Mameli C. The Role of Pediatric Nutrition as a Modifiable Risk Factor for Precocious Puberty. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:1353. [PMID: 34947884 PMCID: PMC8706413 DOI: 10.3390/life11121353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Puberty is a critical phase of growth and development characterized by a complex process regulated by the neuroendocrine system. Precocious puberty (PP) is defined as the appearance of physical and hormonal signs of pubertal development at an earlier age than is considered normal. The timing of puberty has important public health, clinical, and social implications. In fact, it is crucial in psychological and physical development and can impact future health. Nutritional status is considered as one of the most important factors modulating pubertal development. This narrative review presents an overview on the role of nutritional factors as determinants of the timing of sexual maturation, focusing on early-life and childhood nutrition. As reported, breast milk seems to have an important protective role against early puberty onset, mainly due to its positive influence on infant growth rate and childhood overweight prevention. The energy imbalance, macro/micronutrient food content, and dietary patterns may modulate the premature activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, inducing precocious activation of puberty. An increase in knowledge on the mechanism whereby nutrients may influence puberty will be useful in providing adequate nutritional recommendations to prevent PP and related complications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Calcaterra
- Pediatric Department, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy; (V.C.); (V.C.M.); (M.C.P.); (V.R.); (A.S.); (A.B.); (G.Z.); (C.M.)
- Pediatric and Adolescent Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Elvira Verduci
- Pediatric Department, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy; (V.C.); (V.C.M.); (M.C.P.); (V.R.); (A.S.); (A.B.); (G.Z.); (C.M.)
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, 20142 Milan, Italy
| | - Vittoria Carlotta Magenes
- Pediatric Department, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy; (V.C.); (V.C.M.); (M.C.P.); (V.R.); (A.S.); (A.B.); (G.Z.); (C.M.)
| | - Martina Chiara Pascuzzi
- Pediatric Department, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy; (V.C.); (V.C.M.); (M.C.P.); (V.R.); (A.S.); (A.B.); (G.Z.); (C.M.)
| | - Virginia Rossi
- Pediatric Department, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy; (V.C.); (V.C.M.); (M.C.P.); (V.R.); (A.S.); (A.B.); (G.Z.); (C.M.)
| | - Arianna Sangiorgio
- Pediatric Department, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy; (V.C.); (V.C.M.); (M.C.P.); (V.R.); (A.S.); (A.B.); (G.Z.); (C.M.)
| | - Alessandra Bosetti
- Pediatric Department, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy; (V.C.); (V.C.M.); (M.C.P.); (V.R.); (A.S.); (A.B.); (G.Z.); (C.M.)
| | - Gianvincenzo Zuccotti
- Pediatric Department, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy; (V.C.); (V.C.M.); (M.C.P.); (V.R.); (A.S.); (A.B.); (G.Z.); (C.M.)
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science “L. Sacco”, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Mameli
- Pediatric Department, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy; (V.C.); (V.C.M.); (M.C.P.); (V.R.); (A.S.); (A.B.); (G.Z.); (C.M.)
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science “L. Sacco”, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|